Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day –
family, loved ones, good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us
always to receive these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be
stirred to remember all of your mercies which we receive through your
love towards us.

We have gathered together today to recognize publicly that [officer's
name] has the skills, knowledge, and wisdom to be promoted to the rank
of [rank]. Let us each remind ourselves today, lest we forget, that God
brought each of us to our places of blessing and prosperity. Indeed we
are each finite and frail, unable to always know what is the best way to
proceed. Give this [man/woman] wisdom in the years to come, we pray.

[Officer's name] will be entrusted with a higher position
of responsibility of leadership in this community of peacemakers. He
has been influenced by others in a variety of contexts that have
prepared him for his tasks of leadership. Be always with [officer's
name] in carrying out the duties of [his/her] leadership role, so that
by [his/her] life and teaching heart, Your Truth and Peace may be known.

Direct [him/her], and by extension all those whom [s/he] leads, O
God, in all the decisions with which [s/he] will be involved in the
future. Direct [him/her] with Your most gracious favor so that [s/he]
may enable us to further our task of peacemaking with Your continual
help. May all [his/her] judgments begin, continue, and end in You.

We are each entrusted with the task of peacemaking -- in our homes, in
our workplaces, in our nations, in our world. We know that we are each finite
and frail, unable to know the full implications of the decisions we make
during our seasons of faith and learning in our lives. Yet, O God, we
thank you for inspiring us, nourishing us, and uniting us with this
vision of a community of peacemakers. Grant to us the wisdom that comes
through the synergism of faith and action, help us to be your people of
peace in all the nations of the world. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day –
family, loved ones, good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us
always to receive these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be
stirred to remember all of your mercies which we receive through your
love towards us.

Today is a special day, a day of recognition of hard work and dreams
realized. So we give you thanks that you gave these people the
integrity and strength to make it through this far. To some present
this is a dream fulfilled – and to those we give you thanks for their
courage to follow their vision and see it to fruition. To others still
present today it is a stepping stone to the next stage of the
fulfillment of their vision – give these individuals the strength to go
those next miles that stretch before them.

To all of these who will step up and give their oath today, I ask
that you give a sense of pride in their accomplishment. Also remind
them that they didn’t make it alone, there were many who helped along
the way – and they need to make sure they say their thanks to those
folks.

But also remind them in each of their futures that YOU are interested
in their success… and they are never alone in their journeys.

For all your gifts we give you thanks indeed. But especially today
we give you thanks for the ability to reach for the stars and grasp them
with joy.

In the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer, I pray.
AMEN.

Almighty and Ever-loving Creator, source of all wisdom and
understanding, we are so very thankful for all that you teach us each
and every day. We are especially thankful for all that you have taught
these men and women in their time of learning. The laughter, the
camaraderie, the testing of their abilities… these are gifts for which
we are so very thankful.

Today we want to pause in our headlong rush of life and give you
thanks for this time to come together and honor and graduate those who
have worked so hard for this day. As we give recognition to some very
deserving individuals we ask for a special touch of your blessings on
them today and help them to have a strong sense of a job well-done. May
your spirit of remembrance rest on them so this pinnacle time may return
to them in times of stress and hardship, and give them strength to
continue on their journey.

Their formal learning is ending – and their time of gaining wisdom is
just beginning. Help them to grow strong in wisdom in order to weather
life’s storms. Give them strength to be men and women of integrity, and
compassion in order to be leaders in a way that is redemptive and
capable, where ever they are called to serve.

Alternate for Pilots: Their time here is ending and they
are each heading out to the places that you have called them to
serve. So we ask that as you fly with them on their designated
missions, that you give them wisdom to weather life’s storms,
strength to be men and women of integrity, and compassion to be
leaders in a way that is redemptive and capable.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe; help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In the
name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Almighty Creator, we pause this evening to ask for your blessing on
the women and men of this [Airmen Leadership School] graduating
class. Thank you for the new insights and knowledge they have gained.
Thank you for their commitment to lead the way in the cause of freedom.
Thank you for dedicated teachers and mentors who have had the
opportunity to instruct and share with them over the past several
weeks. Grant each graduate wisdom to apply themselves to the challenges
that lie ahead. May they rise to every occasion to lead with
professionalism and honor.

O Lord, as we honor graduates this evening, our hearts cannot help
but wander to the war that is being waged for the cause of freedom at
this very moment. We ask that you guide our leaders in the decisions
they must make on the battlefield and in the planning rooms.

We ask for your protection, courage, and watch-care for all our
deployed comrades, especially those in harms way this night. Give their
families faith and comfort as they watch and pray.

Touch the hearts of those moms, dads, spouses, children, and friends
who have received the sad news that their loved one has paid the
ultimate sacrifice.

And now Lord, stir our hearts together this evening. Strengthen this
class, and each of us, to meet every challenge and every threat that
waits to confront us.

Almighty and Ever-loving Creator, source of all wisdom and
understanding, we are so very thankful for all that you teach us each
and every day. We are especially thankful for all that you have taught
these men and women in their time of learning. The laughter, the
camaraderie, the testing of their abilities… these are gifts for which
we are so very thankful.

Today is a special day -- a time of recognition of hard work and dreams
realized. So we give you thanks that you gave these people the
integrity and strength to make it through this far. We give you thanks
for their courage to follow their vision and see it to fruition. It is
also a stepping stone to the next stage of the fulfillment of their
vision – give these individuals the strength to go those next miles that
stretch before them.

To all of these who will step up and be recognized today, I ask that
you give a sense of pride in their accomplishment. Also remind them that
they didn’t make it alone, that there were many who helped along the way
– and they need to make sure they say their thanks to those folks.

But also remind them in each of their futures that YOU are interested
in their success, and they are never alone in their journeys.

For all your gifts we give you thanks indeed. But especially today
we give you thanks for the ability to reach for the stars and grasp them
with joy.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe – help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In
the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day.

What an honor to call upon you of behalf of our military community
and to know that we not only can, but are invited to ask your presence
in our midst.

We remember to you [outgoing commander's rank and name] and [spouse's
name]. Their time here at [name of base] is ending and they
are moving to new places that you have called them to serve. We ask that
you keep your hand of grace on them as they head out to their new
horizons.

Today we also lift to you a new leader for [new commander's unit],
[new commander's rank and name]. Grant abundant blessings upon [him/her],
[his/her] spouse, and [his/her] family. I ask that
you give [him/her] wisdom to weather the storms of [his/her] time
here and learn from them; give [him/her] a steel backbone to be a
[man/woman] of integrity; and especially to have the compassion
that will enable [him/her] to be a leader in a way that is
redemptive and capable. [S/He] will be given this command today;
help [him/her] to accept it as a sacred trust and that [s/he]
will guard and use it appropriately.

Alternate: Taking charge of [commander's responsibility]
here at [name of base] is a huge undertaking. [New Commander's
rank and name] is up to the task, [s/he] has been
trained, given the experiences needed, and thus is prepared for [his/her]
new role. Keep [him/her] humble at all times to know that [s/he]
doesn’t have all of the answers. Give [him/her] wisdom so
that [s/he] will seek your favor. Grant [him/her]
confidence to believe that everything [s/he] does is in
keeping with your Word and Way; we want [him/her] to have
such clarity of vision that [s/he] will be able to rightly
lead us all during these uncertain times.

We pray also for [new commander's spouse] and their children.
They are all starting out on a new adventure here at [name of base].
Give them all strength to weather the bumpy parts of their journey and a
cheerful spirit to enjoy all of life with laughter, pure and clean.

I implore your blessings for the men and women of the [new
commander's unit] as well as for all of your people who serve and
work at [name of base].

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe; help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In the
name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day –
family, loved ones, good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us
always to receive these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be
stirred to remember all of your mercies which we receive through your
love towards us.

Today we gather to facilitate a transforming and streamlining of our
management structure. It will present everyone involved with an
exciting challenge: a challenge to be flexible in the midst of unknown
variables – Lord, give them patience; a challenge for their
creativity – Lord, give them vision; a challenge for each to continue to
do their jobs well in the midst of all the changes – Lord, give them
integrity.

We lift to you the new Commander, [name and rank of new commander],
who will be taking command over the newly transformed structure. We pray
for strength, integrity, and compassion as [s/he] leads [his/her]
people thru these new challenges.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe – help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In
the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day –
family, loved ones, good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us
always to receive these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be
stirred to remember all of your mercies which we receive through your
love towards us.

We remember to you today [name and rank of person leaving]. [His/Her]
time at [name of base] is ending and [s/he] is soon
leaving for the new place that you have called [him/her] to
serve. So we ask that you keep your hand of grace on [him/her] as
[s/he] sets out to face new situations and opportunities.

This new phase of [his/her] life will present some exciting
challenges. A challenge to be flexible in the midst of unknown
variables – Lord, give [him/her] patience. A challenge for
creativity – Lord, give [him/her] vision. A challenge to continue
to live life well in the midst of changes – Lord, give [him/her]
integrity.

We ask also that you bless [his/her] [wife/husband], [name
of spouse], who is here to support [him/her] through this day
and through the new challenges. Give them both your strength and grace
as together they step off into this new endeavor. And, of course, we
ask a special blessing for them that they may they grow, together and
deeper, as the years go by. Thank you for the blessing they have both
been [to our Chapel community and] to the base community.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe – help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In
the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with
deep gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day –
family, loved ones, good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us
always to receive these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be
stirred to remember all of your mercies which we receive through your
love towards us.

We remember to you [rank and name of retiree]. [His/Her]
time at [name of base] is ending and [s/he] will soon
begin a new stage of life's journey. So we ask that you keep your hand
of grace on [him/her] as [s/he] sets out to explore new horizons.

[S/He] is retiring from the [branch of service],
but not from life. This new phase of [his/her] life will present
some exciting challenges. A challenge to be flexible in the midst of
unknown variables – Lord, give [him/her] patience. A challenge
for creativity – Lord, give [him/her] vision. A challenge to
continue to live life well in the midst of changes – Lord, give [him/her]
integrity.

And perhaps most difficult, a challenge to slow down and enjoy life a
little bit more – Lord, give [him/her] joy and peace in the
quietness. And help [him/her] to be grateful for a life full of
mission and purpose – may [s/he] find new ways to be fulfilled in
the years to come.

We ask also that you bless [his/her] [wife/husband] and
children, [who are here to support her through this day]. Give
them your strength and grace as all together they step off into this new
endeavor. And, of course, we ask a special blessing for this whole
family that they may they grow, together and deeper, as the years go by.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe – help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. In
the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Almighty Creator, today we come to you with the deepest gratitude in
our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day – family, loved ones,
good friends, laughter, our jobs. Help us always to receive these gifts
with thanksgiving and may our hearts be stirred to remember all of your
mercies which we receive through your love towards us.

Today as we gather, we give recognition to the spirit that made our
country great – a willingness to give totally of ourselves, even unto
death. For the great blessing of being a part of this country we give
you thanks. For the joy and beauty this [man/woman]* brought to our
lives we also give you thanks -- you lent them to us for a short time,
and we were blessed by their presence. [*name of person(s) can
be used]

Today as we gather to give recognition for all that [s/he]
gave to us and [his/her] country, help us to be ever mindful of
all that we still have. It is your strength that enables us to protect
others, it is your providence that keeps us safe – help us to turn our
hearts towards you each and every day. AMEN.

Loving God, as we gather here today our hearts are full of memories
of friends and comrades who served under arms in the great wars of this
century. We come to remember those who fell in battle and those who,
while they did not die, offered their bodies, minds, hearts, and
energies to fighting for a better world. We ask Lord that you would
grace us with your presence, that you would help us in our pain, and
that you would hear our prayers and have regard for our thoughts this
day.

Bless us - and bless all those who gave the best of themselves for
our country - we ask this In the name of the Creator, the Savior, and
the Sustainer. AMEN.

Leader: We must stop often to remember all those who gave
their lives for freedom throughout the world. Lord God, we remember
today how you have treated us and our nation in the past, and how - in
good faith - so many gave their lives and energy to resist the evil of
their day and so help make the world a better place. Today, we stop to
honor those [for specific memorials insert unit name] who gave
their very life’s blood for the cause of freedom.

All: We remember the great courage of many. We
remember the selfless service of all. We remember the selfless
sacrifice for the freedom of others.

Leader: When we recall the thousands of enlisted and
officer, women and men, old and young, single and married, American-born
and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the war
torn fields of death, we can say together,

All: We remember the loss of human life. We
remember and give thanks for the valiant commitment of our comrades to
those in need. We give thanks for those who live on to pass on life
and love.

Leader: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so
generously of their life and labor to care for the families of the
fallen, we can say together,

All: We are grateful for the generosity and
camaraderie of the military family. We are thankful that we can all
serve in different ways.

Leader: Today is a day to remember.

All: And we remember the affliction of our
brothers and sisters, marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a
sacred moment when we raise up and hold it to the light of the eternal
moment, acknowledge the good of those who have passed, and celebrate the
continued goodness of those who remain.

Leader: We remember the faith of our ancestors in Your
goodness, and how - in fear and trembling - and in hope and confidence -
they committed themselves completely and gave themselves wholly to that
which they believed to be just, and good, and true.

All: Guard and guide our country so that in our
search for freedom and security we who are alive now may also be good
and may not trample the rights of the innocent nor disregard the rule of
law. Help us to bring freedom to each person with whom we come in
contact.

Leader: Help us Lord, to not be ones who shirk back from the
path of commitment when things become difficult. Make us peacemakers
and workers of that which tends to bring justice in the face of
injustice; plenty in the face of need; harmony in the place of discord.

All: We light a candle to light the way to a
better world for our children and our children's children, and all
the children of God. We must hold firmly to our unity, borne
forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.

Leader: God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise
and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and
in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who still work and watch
and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad
sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort
those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that
make for peace for all peoples. Bless the people and leaders of this
nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may
become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince
of Peace,

Introduction

In 1918, in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month,
the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter war, an
armistice was signed. The "war to end all wars" was over.

On Armistice Day, soldiers who survived the war marched in a parade
through their home towns. Politicians and veteran officers gave speeches and
held ceremonies of thanks for the peace they had won.

But Americans realized that the previous war would not be the last one.
World War II began not long after, and nations great and small again
participated in a bloody struggle.

Today, we continue to remember the women and men who have sacrificed over
the years to bring freedom and peace to an entire world. We remember those
from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Just Cause in Panama,
Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, The Gulf War, and NATO peacemaking efforts
in Bosnia, and Albania, and finally today -- in our fight against terrorism
on our shores, in Afghanistan, and in Iraq.

Togo D. West, Jr., Secretary of the Army in 1997 said, "War is an
uncertain business and yet on every uncertain day that our nation has had to
face the grim business of defending itself [and others], Americans have
stepped forward."

And today we are still stepping forward, sacrificing many things that
civilians take for granted, in order to be part of the vision for peace for
our world.

Today though, we come and remember not just the men, not just the women, but all those who
have sacrificed. It is not about gender, it is about going to
war with a unit, risking your life with them, it is about believing in peace
- and living a life based on that belief.

We are going to take a moment today and meditate on the sacrifice of
these who have gone before us. Let us give God thanks for the legacy of
peace and wisdom they have left us. May we each be worthy in our own lives
of that legacy. Join me in a moment of silence and remembrance . . .

Prayer

[Sixty seconds of silent meditation]

O Lord, we give you thanks for all our gifts, but today we give you
thanks for these men and women [optional: specific unit name] who
sacrificed for all people across the world who believe in continuing the
cause of peace and freedom. AMEN.

Almighty Creator, today we come to you with the deepest gratitude in
our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day – family, loved ones,
good friends, laughter, our great jobs. Help us always to receive these
gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be stirred to remember all of
your mercies which we receive through your love towards us.

Today as we gather, we give recognition to the spirit that made our
country great – a willingness to give totally of ourselves for freedom
for all peoples, even unto death. For the great blessing of being a part
of this country we give you thanks.

For the conviction of those who refused to sit in the back of the
bus, we give you thanks. For all the women and men of every race and
creed who were, and still are, willing to sacrifice to see a dream of
equality come to fruition, we give you thanks.

For the legacy of peace and wisdom they have each left us, we give
you thanks. May we each be worthy in our own lives of that legacy.

Today as we gather to give recognition for all that they have
bequeathed us and their country, help us to be ever mindful of all that
we have gained -- and all that we must still accomplish.

Your strength enables us to protect others, your providence keeps us
safe – help us to turn our hearts towards you each and every day. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with deep
gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day – family,
loved ones, good friends, laughter, our jobs. Help us always to receive
these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be stirred to remember all
of your mercies which we receive through your love towards us.

Today as we gather, we praise you for the opportunity to come together to
affirm our identity and celebrate our common hope. We thank you for the
quality of achievement that is represented in each woman here today, and for
the many and diverse efforts that continue to contribute toward the building
of a better world.

We remember the women whose blood flows through our veins: women who
fought for the right to vote, women who refused to bow to discrimination,
women who sacrificed willingly and fought for human dignity for all
peoples. Give us your strength today to follow in their footsteps and seek
the freedom for the peoples who voices we hear in need in our world today.

Help us to be loving in the midst of ignorance and oppression, and yet
firmly convicted to challenge inequality. Encourage us in the midst of
spitefulness and give us resolve to always treat all peoples with respect.

Be with us here today in the laughter and the serious conversation and
through the time of refreshments. May we live in harmony with you and one
another, for the glory of your Name and the edification of women and men
everywhere. To you, LORD, be honor and glory, now and forever. AMEN.

Giver of life and Almighty LORD our God, today we come to you with deep
gratitude in our hearts for all the gifts you give us each day – family,
loved ones, good friends, laughter, our jobs. Help us always to receive
these gifts with thanksgiving and may our hearts be stirred to remember all
of your mercies which we receive through your love towards us.

Today as we gather, we give recognition to the beauty and strength of the
women here with us today. So much promise is shining in their faces and we
give you thanks that their future is in Your hands. Do not let the Evil
One snatch it from them. So many hurdles have been overcome and so many
dreams are yet to be fulfilled – and You walk right beside us all – and for
this we are grateful.

It is such a privilege to work together as male and female – each with
differing insights and perspectives, even as each gender has differing
abilities and gifts from you. Give us the wisdom and strength to live with
integrity, and to always seek your grace and have the courage of stick-to-it’ness.

Help us to be loving in the midst of ignorance and oppression and yet
firm convicted to challenge inequality. Encourage us in the midst of
spitefulness and resolve us to always treat our own and our opposite genders
with respect.

For the gift of each other we give you thanks. Be with us here in the
laughter and the serious conversation and through the time of
refreshments. AMEN.

Lord, dismiss us with your blessing. Increase the resolve within us to
cherish each person, young or old, male or female, to see beauty more as
being more internal, tied to will and personality than exterior tied to the
flesh and visual. Let the conversations of this afternoon continue to impact
our thinking in ways which are pleasing in your sight. For in the beginning
you created us as male and female and declared that it was good. And indeed
it was good! May we live in harmony with you and one another, for the glory
of your Name and the edification of women and men everywhere. To you, LORD,
be honor and glory, now and forever. AMEN.

Righteous God, you rule the nations. We pray that you guard all the
brave men and women in military service. Though for a season we must be
people of war, help us to live for peace. Encourage our hearts as we try
to encourage one another.

We bless this building and accept it as a sacred trust and pray that we
will guard and use it appropriately. Let your love rest upon the people
within and your presence of peace be manifested in it. You have told us
that there is strength in unity and that a divided house will fall . Help
each person here to do their part to make this new building a place where
harmony, hard work, and teamwork reign.

We take a moment to give you thanks for the contribution of [name and
rank of commanders]. They have given so much of their time, effort,
resources, and love to our community at large, but especially so to [unit or
base name]. For their sacrifice and caring we give you thanks and ask for
your blessings to rest deep in their hearts today.

Almighty Creator, sometimes our resolve weakens, sometimes we grow weary,
sometimes we just don’t even have the strength to walk the road of
integrity. Yet then we remember your promise to Isaiah “Yet those that wait
upon the Lord shall mount up with wings of an eagle. They shall walk and
not stumble, they shall run and not grow weary.” And when we remember this
promise we are strengthened and able to be who we need to be. Today, may
each of these gathered here today feel the freedom of an eagle’s heart and
know the fullness of your love. AMEN.

Righteous God, you rule the nations. We pray that you guard all the
brave men and women in the service of world peace. Though for a season we
must be people of war, help us to live for peace. Encourage our hearts as
we try to encourage one another.

We are gathered here tonight to celebrate [with an Inaugural Dining
Out] the formation of this new [unit name or type]. It is still a
work in process, but you have given us the creativity and integrity to stick
with it, and we will do so

We are reminded that you have told us that there is strength in unity and
that a divided house will fall -- help each person here to do their part
to make this new [unit] a place where harmony, hard work, and
teamwork reign.

We are each entrusted with the task of peacemaking--in our homes, in our
workplaces, in our nations, in our world. Yet we are each finite and frail,
unable to know the full implications of the decisions we make during our
seasons of faith and learning in our lives.

Yet God, we thank you for inspiring us, nourishing us, and uniting us
with this vision of a community of peacemakers. Grant to us the wisdom that
comes through the synergism of faith and action, help us to be your people
of peace in all the nations of the world. I pray this in the name of the
Creator, the Savior, and the Sustainer. AMEN.

Maj. Robin Stephenson-Bratcher, retired, served as a Chaplain in the United
States Air Force.